April 7, 2015
(UPDATE 4/7/15) It’s been six years since the White Sox entered the postseason. Since 2009, the team has gone just two season above .500 and have had minimal success under the direction of head coach Robin Ventura, who took the reins from Ozzie Guillen in 2012.
Change is imminent at U.S. Cellular Field this season, however, and the team boasts major assets in Jose Abreu, Chris Sale and new additions Jeff Samardzija, David Robertson and Adam LaRoche. Expectations are high in Chicago this season, and it’s being reflected on the secondary ticket market.
According to TicketIQ, the average secondary price for White Sox tickets this season at U.S. Cellular Field is $91.11. The team will play its first home game on Friday, and the average price for White Sox Opening Day tickets is now $168.23. That marks a price jump of 84.6% above season average. The cheapest available ticket for Saturday’s game is currently $50.
A.L. Rookie of the Year Jose Abreu will look to continue his onslaught at the plate in 2015 after last season’s campaign saw him blast 36 home runs and drive in 107 RBIs. Chicago’s pitching depth is also a notable strength. Under Sale, Samardzija and Carlos Quentin, the White Sox display one the most dominant threesomes atop the rotation in the league.
It will likely be a fight for elbow room in the A.L. Central all season long, who also welcomes the defending pennant champion Royals and perennial playoff contending Tigers. Expect the White Sox’s pitching staff to keep them relevant in the standings through the summer as Abreu and LaRoche look to provide the bulk of the offense.
---------------
(2/6/15) The Chicago White Sox have been very inconsistent under manager, Robin Ventura. Throughout Ventura’s three-year stint as manager, Chicago has won 73, 63, and 85 games in 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. Ownership expects much more from this franchise and made several aggressive moves during the off-season. Chicago signed closer, David Robertson and outfielder, Melky Cabrera to multi-year contracts and traded for starting pitcher, Jeff Samardzija. Samardzija will join Chris Sale and Carlos Quintana to form one of the best threesomes in the American League. Fans are expecting another big season from first baseman Jose Abreu. Abreu, who won the American League Rookie of the Year last season, hit 36 home runs and drove in 107 runs. Abreu finished fourth in American League MVP voting. The American League Central will be competitive, but Chicago has the pitching to compete.
[embedit cf="HTML1"]
On TicketIQ, the average price for secondary market White Sox Opening Day tickets is $138.69 while the get-in price is $27. Ticket prices for Opening Day 2015 are the second highest over the last five Opening Days at U.S. Cellular Field.
| Year |
Opponent |
Avg Price |
Get-in Price |
| 2015 |
MIN |
$138.69 |
$27.00 |
| 2014 |
MIN |
$92.64 |
$23.00 |
| 2013 |
KC |
$105.60 |
$36.00 |
| 2012 |
DET |
$114.91 |
$43.00 |
| 2011 |
TB |
$146.67 |
$44.00 |
| 2010 |
CLE |
$125.19 |
$49.00 |
While expectations are not high for the White Sox and Twins, Opening Day will feature an interesting matchup between Sale and Phil Hughes. Last season, Sale went 12-4 with a 2.17 ERA. Sale, who is known for his strikeout abilities, struck out 208 batters in 174 innings. Look for Robertson, who succeeded as a first-time closer for the New York Yankees, to earn numerous saves in Sale’s starts.
[embedit cf="HTML2"]
